Support system for partitions

ABSTRACT

The specification discloses a partition having a base support member which does not interfere with base wiring and which includes intelligence for receiving partition joining links, base wiring supports and/or dividers, and a unique auxiliary stabilizer foot.

ll 1 9 i "111 I? a a Unified aiei 1 3,844,079 iisrrip Oct. 29, 1974 [54] SUPPORT SYSTEM FOR PARTITHONS 3,195,698 7/1965 Codrea 52/221 x I [75] Inventor: Alexander A. Karrip, Grand Rapids, 2x322 Mlch- 3,349,528 10/1967 3,428,108 2/1969 Asslgnee sieecase Grand 3,529,389 9/1970 Wilkins 52/221 [22] Filed: Sept. 28, 1973 3,802,146 4 1974 Tacke et al. 52 220 x [21] Appl' No; 401625 Primary ExaminerPrice C. Faw, Jr.

Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Price, Heneveld, Huizenga [52] US. Cl 52/221, 52/122, 52/239, & Cooper 1 52/582 [51] Int. Cl. E04c 2/52 E04b 2/82 [58] Field 01 Search 52/239, 122, 220, 241, [57] 52 22 24 2 5 36 The specification discloses a partition having a base support member which does not interfere with base 5 References Cited wiring and which includes intelligence for receiving UNITED STATES PATENTS partition joining links, base wiring supports and/or dividers, and a unique auxiliary stabilizer foot. 3,011,601 12/1961 Perlin 52/582 X 3,066,770 12/1962 Millard et a1. 52/239 X 18 Claims, 7 Drawing Figures PAIENIEDncI 29 {914 METIBF? I SUPPORT SYSTEM FOR PARTITIONS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION perpendicular supporting legs positioned at their lower portions. To form walls or other space dividing arrangements, the panels are joined together in a straight line or at angles with respect to each other. The individual panels may include provision for concealing wiring in these systems. Elaborate base constructions are provided to allow room wiring and yet still provide a stable and sturdy partition.

Occasionally it is necessary to provide two separate wiring areas at the panel base to accommodate both casual and permanent wiring. In addition, many state and local codes require that casual wiring and telephone wiring be stored in separate compartments from permanent wiring. Provision for two separate wiring channels further complicates the construction of the base support system and creates an additional expense for the purchaser who has not intended to place any wiring in the base. In the alternative only one channel wiring area is provided and the use of permanent lines in conjunction with casual'wiring requires the user to improvise a make-shift divider.

Since the partitions are frequently arranged to be freestanding, they sometimes require the employment of a stabilizer foot. The construction of the base support system for the partition is further complicated by the need to make provision for attaching some sort of stabilizer foot. The foot or stabilizer itself is a source of engineering difficulty and some prior art stabilizer feet are particularly complicated to manufacture and to U56.

Finally, the construction of the base support system is frequently further complicated in that it must include provision for attaching adjacent partitions together at the base. Frequently, different brackets and components are joined together in some fashion to make provision for all of these separate functions which the base support system of a partition must accommodate. Such systems are typically costly to manufacture, complicated to use and therefore generally less than desirable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a partition base support which is efficient in construction, is sturdy, and accommodates base wiring in either one or two compartments. The base support additionally accommodates partition joining means and includes provision for fastening a stabilizing leg or mounting to the panel. Preferably the stabilizer foot cooperates not only with the base support, but also with the hanger system of the partition. These results can all be achieved with the preferred strap like member, generally L-shaped in configuration, with a generally C-shaped deviation in the leg thereof, extending downwardly from the panel. The lower leg of the L defines a wiring channel and forms a supporting base and leveler mount. A sidewall of the base support includes means by which an auxiliary secondary wiring channel may be provided. An extending flange includes intelligence for joining adjacent partitions and the supporting base includes intelligence for mounting an auxiliary stabilizer foot.

Many important objects and advantages of the present invention will become fully appreciated by those skilled in the art when reading the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings illustrating a preferred embodiment of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. I is a perspective view illustrating a plurality of panels interconnected to form a space divider system;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary view, partially in cross section, illustrating the lower support for the panel and the installation of a vertical stabilizing foot;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the lower support member;

' FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along DESCRIPTION. OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT The base support of the present invention employs a pair of specially configured supporting brackets 50 (FIG. 3) positioned at the bottom of a partition near the side edges 22 (side edges 22 shown in FIG. 1). A representative partition assembly incorporating the present invention is shown in FIG. 1 wherein a plurality of panels 10 are arranged in the space dividing layout. A number of modular components as desks 30, a shelf 32, files 34 and the like are positioned on panels 10 and held in place by a conventional hook type bracket 36. An outwardly extending horizontal stabilizing leg 40 may be positioned as required to prevent the panels from tipping. The individual partitions 10 have a generally hollow interior formed of sheet metal vertical channels 12, an upper horizontal channel (not shown) and a lower horizontal channel 16. The various channels are welded together to form the interior frame work. Cover panels 18 made of particle board or the like are fixed to the interior framework and may be covered with a decorative fabric 20 or the like. The side edges of the interior panels include decorative trim strips 22 while the top edge is provided with a removable decorative cap or cover 24. A removable molding or cover 26 normally hides the base wiring area of partition 10 from view. Cover 26 removably snaps onto partition 10 between an outwardly extending lip 16a on lower channel 16 and a bottom spring clip 26a which cooperates with cover 26 in the manner disclosed in patent application Ser. No. 234,492, now US. Pat. No. 3,802,146, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, entitled PANEL SYSTEM, filed Mar. 14, I972 by William Tacke et al and assigned to the assignee of this application.

Each partition 10 is supported at the ends on lower support brackets 50 (FIGS. 2 and 3) positioned adjacent side trim strips 22. Only one support bracket 50 is shown, it being understood that a similar bracket is,

utilized at the opposite end of the panel. Lower supports 50 are secured by welding to the lower horizontal channel 16 and support the entire weight of the panel.

Referring additionally to FIG. 3, support 50 comprises a generally L-shaped strap-like structure including a top vertical wall 51 from which a tab 56 extends upwardly, a back wall 58 and a bottom wall 59. Back wall 58 is joined to top wall 51 by an angled wall 58a so that even though top wall 51 is disposed generally centrally between the opposing faces of the partition, back wall 58 is disposed towards one face of partition 10. This deviation provides space for carrying base wiring past bracket 50. These walls form a generally L- shaped configuration with a C-shaped deviation in the leg of the L. Tab 56 is fixed to the panel assembly by welding in an appropriate slot formed in horizontal channel 16. Bottom wall 59 of the support is longer than walls 51 and 58 to include an apertured flange portion 65 at one end and a tongue-like tab 67 at its opposite end. At apertured end 65 a series of openings 68 in its central portion are threaded and adapted to receive fastening means by which a linking member (not shown) is fixed when required for securement of one panel to an adjacent panel. For a more detailed discussion of a linking member and the mechanisms and means by which adjacent pairs of panels are interconnected, reference may be had to copending, commonly assigned, application Ser. No. 401,821 entitled PARTI- TION SYSTEM, invented by Frank S. Breiner, filed on even date herewith on Sept. 28, 1973, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. The remaining openings 69 spaced on both sides of the apertured portion 65 along the edges thereof are adapted to receive one or more screws 55a (FIG. 2) threaded into openings 55 of bracket 48 of foot 40 to secure foot 40 in place. Leveling glides 52 threaded into support bracket 50 through a threaded aperture 52a in bottom wall 59 and serve to level the panels on a floor surface in a conventional manner.

Foot 40 is preferably formed as a one piece cast construction having a bottom wall 41, a back wall 43 and a curved decorative top wall surface 45 (FIGS. 2, 4 and 5). A recessed portion 43a is provided in back wall 43 to allow sufficient clearance at the bottom thereof in order to provide a clearance space to facilitate the removal of cover 26 along the base of partition when the foot is installed on a panel. Foot 40 is connected to the partition at base support bracket 50 and at the hanger strip 42 which is provided for hanging shelves and the like on the partition (FIG. 2). Vertical hanger strip 42 extends through the interior of the panel adjacent the side edges and includes a plurality of spaced apart slots 44 adapted to receive hanger means provided on shelf brackets 36 and also on foot 40. The construction of such fastener strips and the hangers are generally conventional and will therefore only be described briefly for understanding of the present invention. Hanger 46 is secured to the rear wall of foot 40. Hanger 46 includes a plurality of rearwardly extending hook-like elements 47 which hook upwardly rather than downwardly as on shelf hangers. These hooks 47 are hooked into three slots 44 near the bottom in hanger strip 42. A bracket 48 is secured to bottom wall 4] by screws 49 and extends outwardly from back wall 43 where it terminates in a leg 54. A slight detent or bend 56 is provided along the length of bracket 48, adjacent leg 54 and in the vicinity of recess 43a to also allow clearance for the removal of cover 26. Leveling guides 53 positioned at the outermost end of foot 40 facilitate the leveling adjustment thereof. Leg 54 includes a series of spaced threaded openings 55 which are utilized to secure the foot to the lower support member 50. When hooks 47 of hanger 46 are inserted into the three slots 44 of hanger strip 42, near the bottom thereof, leg 54 comes into position beneath end flange of bracket 50 with its tapped holes 55 in alignment with the row of holes 69 which is on the side of partition 10 to which foot 40 is mounted. Bolts 55a are passed through holes 69 and are threaded into holes 55. Foot 40 is then securely fastened to partition 10.

The open area at the base of partition 10 provides a base wiring area or cavity 60. Removable covers 26 snap into place between the panels and the lowermost portion of auxiliary foot 40, when foot 40 is used, to close the wiring cavity 60. An opening 72 in tab 67 of bracket 50 is provided to receive bolts 73 (FIGS. 2, 3 and 7) by which an elongated channel like strap 74 (FIG. 7) is secured between a pair of lower supports 50 to provide a bottom closure for lower wiring channel 60. Strap 74 has apertures 75 at each end and fits over tab 67 where bolts 73 and wing nuts 76 hold the strap in position between a pair of supports located at either side of the bottom of the panel. Strap 74 not only serves to close the bottom of wiring channel 60 but, if desired, may also be used as a convenient mounting surface to which junction boxes, outlet boxes and like wiring accessories may be secured.

A generally U-shaped clip 80 is secured on lower support 50 at the juncture of vertical wall 51 and angular wall 58a to provide a mounting for a divider partition 70 which allows one to divide the base wiring area into two compartments, one for casual wiring and one for permanent wiring. Clip 80 includes a back wall 81, an extending tab 82 and a front wall 83. Tab 82 is welded to wall 51 of support 50 such that the opening formed in the U-shaped frontal portion opens upwardly and at an angle with respect to wiring channel 60 to thereby receive divider 70.

Divider 70 (FIG. 6) is an elongated sheet metal strip having a bottom wall 85, an upwardly extending front wall 86 and an opposite wall 87. A pair of flanges 88 extend angularly downwardly from wall and are adapted for reception in the channel portion of clip 80. Divider 70 can therefore be easily placed in wiring channel 60 to thereby provide an upper or auxiliary wiring channel 60a to meet various code requirements for different types of wiring. When wiring is to be placed in either of channels 60 or 60a, cover 26 snaps out of place and the wiring simply placed in position in either of the channels formed in the L-shaped support. Cover 26 is replaced and the wiring is hidden.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that other arrangements of the invention can be provided by utilizing the novel support system of the present invention. Accordingly all modifications of the invention are to be considered as included in the appended claims unless these claims by their language expressly state otherwise.

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:

l. A partition including panel means and supporting means depending below said panel means to define a base area below said panel means. said supporting means comprising: a rigid strap member extending downwardly generally from each end of said panel means, generally centrally between the opposing faces thereof; said strap member being bent outwardly to define an angular, sloping wall and then downwardly at a point below said panel means to define a back wall and then inwardly to define a bottom wall, thereby giving said strap the appearance generally of an L with a generally C shaped deviation in the leg of the L to allow base wiring to pass therearound.

2. The supporting means of claim 1 comprising a glide member threadably received in said bottom wall of said strap.

3. The support means of claim 1 comprising: a platform; securing means on said back wall of each said strap for securing said platform thereto, said platform defining an auxiliary wiring channel between said panel means and said bottom wall of said strap.

4. The partition system of claim 3 in which said securing means comprises a clip having a generally U- shaped portion, said clip being secured to said back wall of each said strap; said platform having a pair of flanges, one aligned with each said clip, said platform being secured to said clips by each of said flanges being received in each said U-shaped portion of said clip.

5. The partition system of claim 4 in which each said clip is secured to said angular sloping wall, said flanges being disposed at an angle to said platform which corresponds to the angle of said angular sloping wall to the horizontal.

6. The partition of claim 4 wherein said strap includes means on said bottom wall thereof for mounting a second platform whereby the space below said panel means is closed at the bottom and two separate wire supporting platforms are provided.

7. The partition system of claim 3 in which said bottom wall of said strap includes partition joining means thereon for facilitating joining of separate partitions.

8. The partition system of claim 7 in which said bottom wall of said strap includes mounting means thereon for securing a partition stabilizing foot thereto.

9. The partition system of claim 8 in which said bottom wall extends beyond the edge of said back wall, towards the end of said partition, to define a flange; said partition joining means being located in said flange; said mounting means being located in said flange generally adjacent each edge thereof.

10. The partition system of claim 1 in which said bottom wall of said strap includes partition joining means thereon for facilitating joining of separate partitions.

11. The partition system of claim 10 in which said bottom wall of said strap includes mounting means thereon for securing a partition stabilizing foot thereto.

12. The partition system of claim 111 in which said bottom wall extends beyond the edge of said back wall, towards the end of said partition, to define a flange; said partition joining means being located in said flange; said mounting means being located in said flange generally adjacent each edge thereof.

13. The partition system of claim 1 in which said bottom wall of said strap includes mounting means thereon for securing a partition stabilizing foot thereto; said panel means including a hanger bracket mounting means therein, said hanger bracket mounting means including hanger bracket receiving means; a stabilizer foot including a back wall for positioning generally adjacent said partition, cooperating means projecting from said back wall generally at the bottom of said foot for cooperating with said mounting means to secure said foot to said mounting means, and hanger means projecting from said back wall at a point spaced from the bottom of said foot, said hanger means engaging said hanger bracket mounting. means and being received in said hanger bracket receiving means whereby said foot is secured to said partition thereat as well as at said mounting means in said supporting means.

14. The partition of claim 13 comprising: cover means for covering said base of said partition below said panel means, said cover means including releasable securing means for releasably securing it to said partition; said back wall of said foot abutting said panel means and including a deviation therein away from said partition, in alignment with said base of said partition whereby a gap is created at said base so that said cover means can be removed from said base of said partition even when said foot is mounted to said partition.

15. The partition of claim 14 in which said cooperating means at the bottom of said foot comprises a flange projecting away from said back wall of said foot, said flange including a downward deviation therein as it passes from said back wall to a point generally adjacent said cover, whereby removal of said cover is further fa? cilitated by said deviation in said flange.

16. A partition including panel means and supporting means depending below said panel means to define a base area below said panel means, said partition comprising: said supporting means including mounting means thereon for mounting a stabilizer foot thereto; said panel means including a hanger bracket mounting means therein, said hanger bracket mounting means including hanger bracket receiving means; a stabilizer foot including a back wall for positioning generally adjacent said partition, cooperating means projecting from said back wall generally at the bottom of said foot for cooperating with said mounting means to secure said foot to said mounting means, and hanger means projecting from said back wall at a point spaced from the bottom of said foot, said hanger means engaging said hanger bracket mounting means and being received in said hanger bracket receiving means whereby said foot is secured to said partition thereat as well as at said mounting means in said supporting means.

17. The partition of claim l6 comprising: cover means for covering said base of said partition below said panel means, said cover means including releasable securing means for releasably securing it to said partition; said back wall of said foot abutting said panel means and including a deviation therein away from said partition, in alignment with said base of said partition whereby a gap is created at said base so that said cover means can be removed from said base of said partition even when said foot is mounted to said partition.

18. The partition of claim 17 in which said cooperating means at the bottom of said foot comprises a flange projecting away from said back wall of said foot, said flange including a downward deviation therein as it passes from said back wall to a point generally adjacent said cover, whereby removal of said cover is further facilitated by said deviation in said flange.

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1. A partition including panel means and supporting means depending below said panel means to define a base area below said panel means, said supporting means comprising: a rigid strap member extending downwardly generally from each end of said panel means, generally centrally between the opposing faces thereof; said strap member being bent outwardly to define an angular, sloping wall and then downwardly at a point below said panel means to define a back wall and then inwardly to define a bottom wall, thereby giving said strap the appearance generally of an ''''L'''' with a generally ''''C'''' shaped deviation in the leg of the ''''L'''' to allow base wiring to pass therearound.
 2. The supporting means of claim 1 comprising a glide member threadably received in said bottom wall of said strap.
 3. The support means of claim 1 comprising: a platform; securing means on said back wall of each said strap for securing said platform thereto, said platform defining an auxiliary wiring channel between said panel means and said bottom wall of said strap.
 4. The partition system of claim 3 in which said securing means comprises a clip having a generally U-shaped portion, said clip being secured to said back wall of each said strap; said platform having a pair of flanges, one aligned with each said clip, said platform being secured to said clips by each of said flanges being received in each said U-shaped portion of said clip.
 5. The partition system of claim 4 in which each said clip is secured to said angular sloping wall, said flanges being disposed at an angle to said platform which corresponds to the angle of said angular slopiNg wall to the horizontal.
 6. The partition of claim 4 wherein said strap includes means on said bottom wall thereof for mounting a second platform whereby the space below said panel means is closed at the bottom and two separate wire supporting platforms are provided.
 7. The partition system of claim 3 in which said bottom wall of said strap includes partition joining means thereon for facilitating joining of separate partitions.
 8. The partition system of claim 7 in which said bottom wall of said strap includes mounting means thereon for securing a partition stabilizing foot thereto.
 9. The partition system of claim 8 in which said bottom wall extends beyond the edge of said back wall, towards the end of said partition, to define a flange; said partition joining means being located in said flange; said mounting means being located in said flange generally adjacent each edge thereof.
 10. The partition system of claim 1 in which said bottom wall of said strap includes partition joining means thereon for facilitating joining of separate partitions.
 11. The partition system of claim 10 in which said bottom wall of said strap includes mounting means thereon for securing a partition stabilizing foot thereto.
 12. The partition system of claim 11 in which said bottom wall extends beyond the edge of said back wall, towards the end of said partition, to define a flange; said partition joining means being located in said flange; said mounting means being located in said flange generally adjacent each edge thereof.
 13. The partition system of claim 1 in which said bottom wall of said strap includes mounting means thereon for securing a partition stabilizing foot thereto; said panel means including a hanger bracket mounting means therein, said hanger bracket mounting means including hanger bracket receiving means; a stabilizer foot including a back wall for positioning generally adjacent said partition, cooperating means projecting from said back wall generally at the bottom of said foot for cooperating with said mounting means to secure said foot to said mounting means, and hanger means projecting from said back wall at a point spaced from the bottom of said foot, said hanger means engaging said hanger bracket mounting means and being received in said hanger bracket receiving means whereby said foot is secured to said partition thereat as well as at said mounting means in said supporting means.
 14. The partition of claim 13 comprising: cover means for covering said base of said partition below said panel means, said cover means including releasable securing means for releasably securing it to said partition; said back wall of said foot abutting said panel means and including a deviation therein away from said partition, in alignment with said base of said partition whereby a gap is created at said base so that said cover means can be removed from said base of said partition even when said foot is mounted to said partition.
 15. The partition of claim 14 in which said cooperating means at the bottom of said foot comprises a flange projecting away from said back wall of said foot, said flange including a downward deviation therein as it passes from said back wall to a point generally adjacent said cover, whereby removal of said cover is further facilitated by said deviation in said flange.
 16. A partition including panel means and supporting means depending below said panel means to define a base area below said panel means, said partition comprising: said supporting means including mounting means thereon for mounting a stabilizer foot thereto; said panel means including a hanger bracket mounting means therein, said hanger bracket mounting means including hanger bracket receiving means; a stabilizer foot including a back wall for positioning generally adjacent said partition, cooperating means projecting from said back wall generally at the bottom of said foot for cooperating with said mounting means to secure said foot to said mounting means, and hanger Means projecting from said back wall at a point spaced from the bottom of said foot, said hanger means engaging said hanger bracket mounting means and being received in said hanger bracket receiving means whereby said foot is secured to said partition thereat as well as at said mounting means in said supporting means.
 17. The partition of claim 16 comprising: cover means for covering said base of said partition below said panel means, said cover means including releasable securing means for releasably securing it to said partition; said back wall of said foot abutting said panel means and including a deviation therein away from said partition, in alignment with said base of said partition whereby a gap is created at said base so that said cover means can be removed from said base of said partition even when said foot is mounted to said partition.
 18. The partition of claim 17 in which said cooperating means at the bottom of said foot comprises a flange projecting away from said back wall of said foot, said flange including a downward deviation therein as it passes from said back wall to a point generally adjacent said cover, whereby removal of said cover is further facilitated by said deviation in said flange. 